For now
Secure their home and property
If they lived alone, their home may sit empty for a while. Lock the doors and windows. Bring in the mail. Set a light or two on a timer. If you can, move valuables, medications, and any weapons to a safer place. Try not to let the home's address show in an online obituary until you've had a chance to secure it.
What you'll need
- Keys and any alarm codes
Good to know
Watch for scams: Estate scams target the recently bereaved. If someone contacts you claiming they owed a debt and demands immediate payment, treat it as suspicious. Legitimate creditors work through the estate and won't demand quick payment over the phone.
Need help with this step?
Someone on our team can talk through this step with you, answer questions, and help you figure out what applies.
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